Seismic Amplitude Analysis Using Statistical Data Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic processing methods often fail to accurately distinguish between geologic features such as fluids and lithology due to ambiguity in seismic amplitude variations with offset or angle, especially when noise is prevalent or seismic data quality is low.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that processes pre-stack seismic data by identifying areas of interest, computing statistical data ranges for seismic amplitudes, and generating plots to determine geologic features, which includes forming narrow angle or offset stacks, optimizing seismic processing, and using optimized angle bands to improve signal-to-noise ratio and maximize seismic amplitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stacking is used to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then noise is reduced, but ambiguity remains in distinguishing fluids from lithology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic data processing into distinct components: pre-stack seismic data is processed to generate multiple angle stacks (e.g., 0-15 degrees, 15-30 degrees, 30-45 degrees) rather than a single stacked result. This segmentation preserves amplitude variation information across different angles while still providing noise reduction through stacking within each angle range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the analysis by plotting statistical data ranges (such as P50, P10, P90 values) as a function of angle or offset. This creates a multi-dimensional visualization that allows interpretation of both signal quality and geologic features simultaneously, resolving the ambiguity between fluid and lithology effects.
2Measurement precision
If AVA data is not stacked to preserve fluid and lithology information, then interpretation accuracy improves, but noise and random variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial stacking by processing data in multiple overlapping angle ranges (e.g., 0-15°, 15-30°, 30-45°) rather than either fully stacking or完全不 stacking. Each partial stack reduces noise to some extent while preserving the amplitude variation information needed for fluid and lithology discrimination. The statistical analysis across these partial stacks provides both noise reduction and interpretation accuracy.
3Productivity
If conventional processing is used where seismic gathers are not flat or noise is prevalent, then processing speed is maintained, but analysis reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing steps including generating pre-stack seismic data with proper angle/offset information before conducting the statistical analysis. This preliminary organization of data ensures that when the statistical data ranges are computed and plotted, the analysis is reliable even in the presence of noise or non-flat gathers, without requiring extensive iterative processing that would slow down production.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for analyzing geologic features including fluid estimation and lithology discrimination may include the steps of identifying areas of interest on a seismic horizon, computing statistical data ranges for the seismic amplitudes within the areas of interest, and analyzing the geologic features based on the amplitude variation with offset (AVO) or angle (AVA) curves including the statistical data ranges.